Mike Boone '79

When entrepreneur Mike Boone achieved financial success, it was only natural for him to give back to Dunn. "I've always believed that you succeed—whether as a person or an entrepreneur—by how much you give, not how much you take," he says.

The Dunn alum has started nearly a half-dozen companies including "dry erase" Boone boards, which he built into a $100 million enterprise and sold in 1999. With his abundant creative energy, Mike didn't retire for long. He now oversees multiple startup companies, and enjoys travel, art, interior and landscape design, and collecting 18th century English antiques.

Mike Boone has been a consistent and generous supporter of Dunn School. He's been a leadership donor to the Annual Fund for more than 20 years and an active member of Dunn School's Board of Trustees since rejoining during the 2009-2010 school year.

He also gave substantially to Dunn's Building on Excellence capital campaign, a donation that enabled the building of a boys' dorm bearing his name. "It came as a surprise," he said when Boone House was named. "But it made me very proud. I appreciate it in honor of my family's name."

Mike earned a degree in petroleum engineering from Stanford University, but fondly remembers his time as a student at Dunn. "I was an introverted, shy kid when I applied to Dunn. The faculty treated me like I was their own son. Dunn built my self-confidence, and that's benefited me in every aspect of my life."

The Anthony B. Dunn Heritage Society of 1957 honors donors who have included Dunn School in their estate plans. Mike is an inaugural member. "Since I profited financially, and since I'm fond of the school, it's my pleasure to give back."